Memories Drifted Like Paper Boats by Zyra Cole 31

Edwina settled into her own spot by the door in the research office. She pulled out a wet wipe and scrubbed away at the places where Madeline had kissed her and Kelvin had touched her. 

‘What’s Kelvin’s deal?‘ Edwina wondered. ‘Can’t dig up my background, so now he’s trying to seduce me and pull the whole soft–hearted act to make me cave? Keep dreaming! 

Feeling those intense stares, Edwina set her mirror aside and shop a look at Adrian and the others. “What’s got you all staring at me?” 

“N–Nothing,” they all mumbled together, ducking their heads and pretending to be busy with work. 

Edwina calmly shifted her gaze away. She had no interest in other people’s gossip. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Tristian. 

Tristan said the blood ruby had been fully restored with lattice weed, and he had booked a private room at the Olive Garden for them to meet. 

‘Since when is Tristian so generous?‘ Edwina wondered. The Olive Garden was the most upscale restaurant in Grindel City, and getting a reservation there was next to impossible. 

After work, Edwina left the office and headed out to meet Tristian. The entire Olive Garden exuded rustic elegance with a serene garden vibe. 

There was even a small indoor water feature spanned by a stone footbridge. 

Potted blooms, songbirds in wooden cages, and colorful fish gliding in the water added a touch of spring–like vibrancy. The place truly lived up to its reputation. 

When Edwina stepped into the room, the table was loaded with food, and Tristian was feasting away. “Tristian, you invite me for a meal but don’t even wait for me?” 

Tristian took a sip of his wine, smacking his lips and looking pleased as ever. “I’m treating you to a meal, but you’re paying the bill.” 

“I’ve been taking care of that blood ruby for you for so long. One meal is a bargain for all the work I put in,” Tristian said, grinning. 

Edwina knew it would end up like this. She opened the glass container, revealing a blood ruby that was radiant and translucent. It shimmered with a gentle pink glow. 

The redder the blood ruby, the higher the price. But that was just a trick for the newbies. 

Sure, a deeper red meant it was more nourishing, but it also meant it had soaked up the previous owner’s energy and sickness, which might not suit the next person who wore it. 

However, cleansing a blood ruby required lattice weed, which was priceless. Almost no buyer could afford that cost, so the secret remained hidden. 

The one in Edwina’s hand right now was the kind of treasure money couldn’t buy. It was an unparalleled masterpiece. 

Right next door to Edwina’s private room, something else was going on. Benedict raised his glass, plastering on a flattering grin. 

He said, “Carlos, about what happened at the Hoffman Winery party. Abby didn’t handle things right and ended up costing Desmond a ton of money. 

“As her dad, I clearly didn’t teach her well, so Abby and I both owe the Cole family an apology.” 

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Chapter 31 

Benedict knocked back his drink, then pulled Abby to her feet so they could apologize together. 

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Abby gave Desmond her best puppy–dog eyes, sniffling. “Desmond, I know I messed up. I never thought Edwina would be connected to the Hoffman family. I didn’t mean to make you look bad.” 

Desmond shot her a cold look and brushed her hand away, clearly annoyed. Desmond was holding a grudge after getting embarrassed in front of Edwina so many times. 

If it weren’t for Abby last time, how could he have become the laughingstock and topic of gossip among Grindel City’s upper circles? Desmond was determined to call off the engagement with her. 

Carlos didn’t object. With Hoffman Winery cutting off the Lennox family, whether the marriage happened or not, it didn’t matter anymore to him. 

Estelle also supported calling off the engagement. She had always looked down on the Lennoxes as new money, believing they were unworthy of a prestigious old–money family like hers. 

What’s more, after seeing Abby’s total lack of elegance that day, she felt even more disgusted. 

“We accept your apology,” Estelle said coolly. “From now on, the Cole family and the Lennox family will stay out of each other’s business. 

“The engagement was something the older generation set up anyway. These days, everyone’s all about free love. 

“If Desmond doesn’t want it, no one’s going to make my son do something he doesn’t want to do.” 

Beatrice was breaking out in a cold sweat. She thought, ‘In Grindel, we’ve already lost the support of the Hoffman family. 

‘If we lose this marriage alliance with the Cole family, too, we’d be totally screwed and be at the mercy of everyone.’ 

Beatrice said, “Mrs. Cole, Abby really didn’t mean it. It’s not that Abby can’t taste wine; it’s just that she…” 

Beatrice blurted out, “She’s pregnant! That’s right, she’s pregnant so she can’t drink much. 

“Abby always knows what’s important. She’d never risk the Cole family’s future just to compete with Edwina.” 

The room went dead silent. The Coles all fixed their eyes on Abby, making her heart race with nerves. 

Beatrice pinched Abby hard under the table, jolting her back to reality. Abby quickly nodded. “Yeah, I’m pregnant.” 

“Why didn’t you say anything before?” Desmond shot back, his voice sharp. 

“I–I saw how mad you were, Desmond, so I was too scared to say anything,” Abby whispered. “Desmond, you don’t think this isn’t your kid, right?” 

Once Abby played this card, there was no taking it back. She took a deep breath and said, “It’s only been two weeks, so it’s way too early. 

“But in three months, we can do an amniocentesis and get a DNA test. I don’t want my baby’s bloodline to be doubted. “If you don’t want this kid, I’ll get rid of it myself. And I won’t hold it against you, not even a little.” 

When Abby said she might get rid of the baby, the Cole family instantly got anxious. “No way,” they all blurted out. Desmond had been diagnosed with low sperm count during a check–up, so he figured he’d probably never have kids. That was why he never bothered with protection during his flings. 

But now, Abby was actually pregnant. And the way she was so calm and collected, it didn’t seem like she was making it up. 

14:56 Sat, Jan 30D G. 

Chapter 31 

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‘Could it be that the medicine I got from the Brewer Apothecary last time actually worked? Desmond wondered. 

Carlos and Estelle knew all about Desmond’s condition, and the panicked. “Don’t even think about it. This is the Cole family’s child. You can’t terminate it.” 

“Now that you’re having a baby, the marriage alliance between our two families has to go on,” Estelle said. 

Estelle had never liked Abby, but the moment she heard about her pregnancy, joy lit up her eyes. 

She took Abby’s hand, fussed over her, and asked after her well–being. Estelle was nothing like she had been moments before. 

After all, the Cole family had only managed one heir per generation for three generations. 

If Desmond couldn’t have kids, the Cole family line would end right here. Abby’s pregnancy was their last shot at an heir. 

“Abby, you’re such a nice girl,” Estelle said warmly. “As for the winery mess. Since it was all for the baby, we won’t hold it against you. 

“Let’s just leave the past behind. If Desmond ever gives you trouble, come to us. Carlos and I will set him straight for you.” 

Estelle took off her bracelet and gently fastened it around Abby’s wrist. Abby’s sense of pride soared in that instant. “Thank you, Carlos and Estelle,” she said. 

“Good girl,” Estelle replied, her tone warm and approving. Meanwhile, Beatrice and Benedict both breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Abby’s other hand was slick with sweat. 

Abby was scared out of her mind, lying through her teeth like this, but at the same time, she loved every second of it. ‘So all it takes to control the Coles is having their heir inside me. Abby thought. ‘I need to make this happen, and fast. “Abby, have some food,” Carlos said, picking up a piece of braised pork and putting it on her plate. 

Abby instantly acted like she was about to gag. “It’s so greasy, I feel sick,” she said. Then she bolted out of the private room. Estelle jumped up, urging, “Desmond, go check on her. Help her out and make sure she doesn’t slip. Be careful.” “Alright,” Desmond said, already worried about the baby. He rushed out after Abby. 

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